Examination of Synthetic Cannabinoid and Cathinone Use among a Drug-Using Offender Sample, 2013–2015

ABSTRACT

Use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., “Spice,” “Serenity”) and cathinones (e.g., “bath salts”) has proliferated in recent years; however, there is a gap in research examining prevalence among offender samples. This study examined demographics, drug use, mental health characteristics, and criminal histories of NPS users compared to non-NPS users within an offender sample entering drug treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, combined 2013–2015 assessment data were examined (N = 8,791). NPS users offended more often (x̄ = 10.3), were more likely to have experienced homelessness (12.2%), and to have lived in a metro area (59.0%). NPS users reported significantly more past-year drug use, including substances not readily detected by standard urine analysis (e.g., hallucinogens, alcohol, and inhalants). Individuals with higher anxiety symptom counts (OR = 1.07; p < .001) and those who reported drinking to intoxication (OR = 1.30; p < .001) had an increased likelihood of NPS use. Older individuals (OR = 0.95; p < .001) and those who began using drugs at an older age (OR = 0.95; p < .001) were less likely to report NPS use. NPS use may be a marker of more severe using patterns in an offender sample. Future investigation should focus on NPS use as a possible method for bypassing drug testing measures.

KEYWORDS:

• Criminal justice
• emerging drugs
• novel psychoactive substances
• synthetic cannabinoids
• synthetic cathinones

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend appreciation to DOC staff along with the substance abuse treatment program clients whose cooperation made this study possible.

Funding

Funding for the ongoing substance abuse treatment outcomes study is provided by the DOC as part of a state-wide mandate for program assessment.

Notes

¹ The two novel psychoactive substances (NPS) or “synthetic” drugs analyzed in this study include synthetic cannabinoids (n = 1,622) and synthetic cathinones (n = 399). Since this investigation was exploratory and aimed estimating prevalence of any NPS use among this offender sample, and since one key foci of discussion centers on the use of NPS as a means of by-passing drug tests, both synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids have been retained, despite the fact that the majority of the sample endorsed synthetic cannabinoid use. “NPS” will be used henceforth to include both synthetics.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for the ongoing substance abuse treatment outcomes study is provided by the DOC as part of a state-wide mandate for program assessment.